NFL

Giants-Bengals Preview

The New York Giants blew a fourth-quarter lead last week as
their four-game winning streak came to an end. With a recent
history of struggling through the second half of the season, they
hope a matchup with the sliding Cincinnati Bengals proves to be
just what they need.

The Giants look to get back on track before their bye week as
they try to extend the Bengals' losing streak to five Sunday at
Paul Brown Stadium.

While New York (6-3) is atop the NFC East by 2 1/2 games, it
squandered a 20-10 fourth-quarter lead en route to a 24-20 home
loss to Pittsburgh last week. The Giants struggled offensively,
totaling 182 yards in what appears to be developing into a
troubling pattern.

The club led the league in plays of 20-plus yards through the
first seven weeks, but have produced four such plays in the last
two games. A slump by Eli Manning has been a major part of the
problem.

Manning completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 2,109 yards, 12
touchdowns and seven interceptions while posting a 92.5 rating in
the first seven games. He's since completed 47.2 percent with no
touchdowns and two interceptions for a rating of 50.6.

Manning's 125 passing yards against Pittsburgh were his fewest
since throwing for 119 on Dec. 28, 2008, at Minnesota.

"No one likes to lose or play poorly," he said. "We have to see
where we can do better and above everything, you have to look at
yourself first. I'm responsible for a lot of it. I'm where it
starts. Our offense is not playing up to its potential."

The Giants have averaged 78.3 rushing yards in the last three
games compared to 150.0 in the first five, with starting running
back Ahmad Bradshaw limited to 169 yards the past three weeks.

"We're going to continue to stay positive and win some games at
this time of year," said receiver Victor Cruz, who ranks among the
top 10 in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns but has been
held to seven catches for 90 yards and no scores in the last two
contests.

"It's just a matter of us getting on the same page. I'm not
worried. We just have to attack the problem areas and get back on
track, beginning this week."

If the Giants don't, the comparisons to past second-half
collapses will only increase. New York's four-game losing streak
that followed a 6-2 start last season nearly kept it out of the
playoffs, and rough second halves doomed the club's title hopes in
the previous three seasons.

Making things all the more challenging, the Giants face a brutal
schedule after next week. Following this game, four of their last
six opponents - Green Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta and Baltimore -
were playoff teams last season while the other two, Washington and
Philadelphia, are division opponents.

There's little question the Bengals are in a slump, going 0-4
since a 3-1 start. Cincinnati also lost a fourth-quarter lead last
week, as it was up 20-17 after three periods before five penalties
and an interception in the fourth contributed to a 31-23 loss.

The Bengals, who have led or been tied in the final quarter in
three of their last four defeats, have dropped three in a row at
home.

"Unfortunately, we haven't gotten it done for them (the fans),
and that's the disappointing thing," coach Marvin Lewis said. "But
they've been into it, and it plays a big part when you have the
advantage of playing at home. We've got to take more advantage and
finish the game out."

Finishing up a three-game home stretch, Cincinnati's hopes of a
second straight wild-card berth could suffer a fatal blow with
another loss this week.

"It was urgent last week," safety Chris Crocker said. "It was
urgent the week before that. There's really no heightened sense of
urgency. We're a very urgent team."

The Bengals will have to do a better job of protecting Andy
Dalton after he was sacked five times Sunday. New York has 25
sacks, tied for third most in the NFL.

Cincinnati will try to keep Dalton upright long enough to get
the ball to A.J. Green, whose 735 receiving yards are sixth most in
the league. Green has caught a touchdown pass in seven straight
games.

The Giants may not even have their top receiver available, as
Hakeem Nicks suffered more swelling in his left knee this week.
Nicks, who has battled injuries for most of the season, is
uncertain for Sunday.

''He is doing what he can do,'' Manning said. ''Hopefully, we
can continue the course and get him more and more healthy. I
definitely think he is better than a few weeks ago.''

The Bengals took the last meeting with the Giants 26-23 in 2008.
The home team has won all eight matchups in the series.

Related Stories

Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.